Ruto’s Buffalo Milk Proposal Sparks Laughter as KWS Issues Warning to Kenyans

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has sparked laughter online after issuing a humorous warning to Kenyans who reportedly visited Aberdare National Park carrying buckets and Arimis Milking Jelly, apparently hoping to milk wild buffaloes.

The conservation agency’s Aberdare National Park management shared the message on Facebook on October 12, responding to the growing public excitement surrounding President William Ruto’s proposal to introduce domesticated water buffaloes to Kenya to help address the country’s milk shortage.

In its post, the park questioned why some visitors were arriving with milking equipment, reminding them that the buffaloes living in the protected area were wild animals and not dairy livestock.

The message quickly attracted attention online, with Kenyans amused by the possibility that some people had taken the President’s remarks literally and decided to look for milk directly from animals already roaming the country’s national parks.

KWS clarified that the buffaloes found in Aberdare National Park are African Cape buffaloes, which differ significantly from domesticated water buffaloes commonly kept for milk production in parts of Asia.

The agency warned that the wild animals are dangerous and should not be approached with the intention of milking them. It humorously cautioned visitors to abandon their plans before the animals turned the situation against them.

The unusual incident followed remarks made by President Ruto during the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Summit held at Jamhuri Park in Nairobi on October 8 and 9, 2026.

During the event, the Head of State suggested that Kenya could explore introducing domesticated water buffaloes and improved camel breeds as alternative sources of milk.

The proposal came amid concerns over milk supply in the country, with the government looking at ways of expanding dairy production and diversifying livestock farming.

Ruto pointed to countries where water buffaloes are commonly reared for milk, suggesting that Kenya could consider adopting similar approaches to strengthen its dairy sector.

However, his remarks attracted criticism from some political leaders and members of the public, who questioned whether introducing new livestock species was the most appropriate response to the challenges facing local dairy farmers.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was among those who criticised the proposal, arguing that the government should instead focus on supporting Kenyan farmers who already produce milk.

The discussion soon moved beyond agricultural policy, with social media users creating jokes, memes and skits imagining Kenyans attempting to milk wild buffaloes.

KWS Aberdare National Park’s post added to the online humour while delivering a serious conservation message about the dangers of approaching wildlife.

Although domesticated water buffaloes can be kept for agricultural purposes, African Cape buffaloes are powerful wild animals capable of seriously injuring or killing people who get too close.

The incident has highlighted the difference between the animals being considered for dairy farming and those living in Kenya’s protected wildlife areas.

KWS has urged visitors to respect wildlife boundaries and observe animals from a safe distance rather than attempting to handle them.

The viral exchange has also brought renewed attention to Ruto’s proposal, which continues to generate debate over how Kenya can increase milk production while protecting the interests of local dairy farmers.

Link; https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/642936-kws-aberdare-national-parks-post-milking-buffaloes-viral-msikuje-kwa-park-na-arimis/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tukobreaking&utm_content=pp&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgRzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8yNzUyNTQ2OTI1OTgyNzkAAR4THsjaeptuMRtiO-pkthBNkyhcs1jDeVUAsXmRrbVQlOGNG5-WVQxZtPMo8g_aem_7nj8-N5pSiT-qosoAv1AgQ

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